Opioid Dosage Forms Having Dose Proportional Steady State Cave and Auc and Less Than Dose Proportional Single Dose Cmax

ABSTRACT

The present invention relates to a plurality of dosage forms comprising a first dosage form and second dosage form each comprising a therapeutic agent, such as an opioid; wherein the dosage strength of the second dosage form is greater than that of the first dosage form; and wherein the steady state C ave  and the steady state AUC of the first and second dosage forms are dose proportional and the single dose C max  of the second dosage form is less than the minimum level for dose proportionality with respect to the first dosage form. The present invention also relates to methods of administering such dosage forms to a patient, as well as to kits comprising such dosage forms and instructions for administration of the dosage forms to a patient. The inventors believe that the dosage forms and methods of the present invention will lead to improved safety and patient acceptance.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates to a plurality of dosage forms comprisinga first dosage form and a second dosage form comprising an opioid;wherein the second dosage form has a dosage strength or amount which isgreater than that of the first dosage form; and wherein the steady stateC_(ave) and the steady state AUC of the first dosage form and the seconddosage form are dose proportional; and the single dose C_(max) of thesecond dosage form is less than the minimum level for doseproportionality with respect to the first dosage form. In oneembodiment, the single dose of AUC the first dosage form and the seconddosage form are also dose proportional. The present invention alsorelates to methods of administering such dosage forms to a patient, aswell as to kits comprising such dosage forms and instructions foradministration of the dosage forms to a patient.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Opioids provide patients with meaningful beneficial effects, however,often patients also experience adverse effects from those same opioids.For example, opioids are useful as moderate to strong analgesic agents,but often cause other pharmacological side effects as well, such asdrowsiness, respiratory depression, euphoria, nausea, dizziness,vomiting, pruritis and changes in mood. Such adverse effects can resultin a patient's noncompliance, including discontinuation of therapy ormissed doses.

There have been previous attempts in the art to increase the tamperresistance and patient acceptance of opioids. For example, controlledrelease dosage forms have been developed that release an activeingredient over many hours.

There remains a need in the art for improved dosage forms foradministering opioids that can reduce adverse effects, and thus canpotentially increase patient acceptance and abuse resistance.

All documents cited herein are incorporated by reference in theirentireties for all purposes.

Definitions

Any reference herein to any opioid, any opioid antagonist or anytherapeutic agent shall, unless otherwise stated, includes anypharmaceutically acceptable form of such pharmaceutical agent, such asthe free form, any pharmaceutically acceptable salt form, anypharmaceutically acceptable base form, any pharmaceutically acceptablehydrate, any pharmaceutically acceptable solvate, any stereoisomer, anyoptical isomer, as well as any prodrug of such pharmaceutical agent andany pharmaceutically active analog of such pharmaceutical agent, andmixtures of any of the foregoing.

As used herein, the term “controlled release” refers to the in vivorelease of an opioid from a dosage form in a controlled manner over anextended period of time. For example, a controlled release oral dosageform can release the opioid, e.g., over a 5 to 24 hour interval. As usedherein, the terms “sustained release” and “controlled release” aresynonymous.

As used herein, the term “dosage strength ratio” refers to the ratio ofthe dosage strength of one dosage form to the dosage strength of anotherdosage form.

As used herein, the terms “matrix multiparticulate(s),” and “matrixparticles” refer to a plurality of units, preferably within a range ofsimilar size and/or shape, and containing an opioid and one or moreexcipients, preferably including a hydrophobic controlled releasematerial as described herein. Preferably, the matrix multiparticulateshave a size in the range of from about 0.1 to about 12 mm in anydimension, more preferably from about 0.1 to about 5 mm. The matrixmultiparticulates can be any geometrical shape. In certain embodiments,the matrix multiparticulates are made by a process comprising extrusion,and in one embodiment, the matrix multiparticulates are made by aprocess comprising melt extrusion.

As used herein, the terms “opioid” or “opioid agonist” refer to atherapeutic agent which binds, optionally stereo-specifically, to anyone or more of several subspecies of opioid receptors and producesagonist activity.

As used herein, the phrase “opioid antagonist” refers to a therapeuticagent which binds, optionally stereo-specifically, to any one or more ofseveral subspecies of opioid receptors and produces antagonist activity.

As used herein, the terms “patient” or “animal” include, but are notlimited to, a cow, monkey, horse, sheep, pig, chicken, turkey, quail,cat, dog, mouse, rat, rabbit, and guinea pig, and is more preferably amammal, and most preferably a human.

As used herein, the phrase “pharmaceutically acceptable salt,” refers toa salt formed from an acid and the basic nitrogen group of an opioid.Preferred salts include, but are not limited, to sulfate, citrate,acetate, oxalate, chloride, bromide, iodide, nitrate, bisulfate,phosphate, acid phosphate, isonicotinate, lactate, salicylate, acidcitrate, tartrate, oleate, tannate, pantothenate, bitartrate, ascorbate,succinate, maleate, gentisinate, fumarate, gluconate, glucaronate,saccharate, formate, benzoate, glutamate, methanesulfonate,ethanesulfonate, benzenesulfonate, p-toluenesulfonate, and pamoate(i.e., 1,1′-methylene-bis-(2-hydroxy-3-naphthoate)) salts. The term“pharmaceutically acceptable salt” also refers to a salt prepared froman opioid having an acidic functional group, such as a carboxylic acidor sulfonic acid functional group, and a pharmaceutically acceptableinorganic or organic base. Suitable bases include, but are not limitedto, hydroxides of alkali metals such as sodium, potassium, cesium andlithium; hydroxides of alkaline earth metal such as calcium andmagnesium; hydroxides of other metals, such as aluminum and zinc;ammonia, and organic amines, such as unsubstituted orhydroxy-substituted mono-, di-, or trialkylamines; dicyclohexylamine;tributyl amine; pyridine; N-methyl,N-ethylamine; diethylamine;triethylamine; mono-, bis-, or tris-(2-hydroxy-lower alkyl amines), suchas mono-, bis-, or tris-(2-hydroxyethyl)amine,2-hydroxy-tert-butylamine, or tris-(hydroxymethyl)methylamine, N,N,-di-lower alkyl-N-(hydroxy lower alkyl)-amines, such as N,N,-dimethyl-N-(2-hydroxyethyl)amine, or tri-(2-hydroxyethyl)amine;N-methyl-D-glucamine; N,N′-dibenzylethylenediamine, triethanolamine;inorganic acid salts such as hydrochloride, hydrobomide; organic acidsalts such as formate, acetate, trifluoroacetate; and amino acids suchas arginine, lysine, asparginate, glutamate and the like.

As used herein, the term “steady state” refers to a state in which theamount of the opioid reaching the system is approximately the same asthe amount of the drug leaving the system. Thus, at steady state, thepatient's body eliminates the opioid at approximately the same rate thatthe drug becomes available to the patient's system through absorptioninto the bloodstream. Generally, steady state is not achieved untilafter several sequential administrations of a dosage of an opioid atspecified time intervals.

As used herein, the phrase “therapeutic agent” or “pharmaceutical agent”refers to a pharmaceutical agent that causes a biological effect when asufficient amount is absorbed into the blood stream of a patient.

As used herein, the phrases “treatment of pain” or “treating pain” referto the amelioration of pain or the cessation of pain or avoidance of theonset of pain in a patient.

As used herein, the term “wax-like substance” refers to any materialthat is normally solid at room temperature and has a melting point offrom about 30 to about 100 degrees C.

SUMMARY OF TE INVENTION

The present invention relates to a plurality of dosage forms comprisinga first dosage form having a first dosage strength or amount of anopioid, and a second dosage form having a second dosage strength of theopioid which is greater than the first dosage strength; wherein thefirst dosage form and the second dosage form each have a steady stateC_(ave), a steady state AUC and a single dose C_(max); and wherein thesteady state C_(ave) and the steady state AUC of the first dosage formand the second dosage form are dose proportional and the single doseC_(max) of the second dosage form is less than the minimum level fordose proportionality with respect to the first dosage form. In certainembodiments, the single dose C_(max) of the second dosage form is 75% orless of the C_(max) of the first dosage form times the dosage strengthratio of the second dosage form to the first dosage form. The inventionalso relates to a method of administering such dosage forms comprisingadministering the first dosage form and, thereafter, administering thesecond dosage form.

In one embodiment, the first dosage form and the second dosage form eachhave a single dose AUC and the single dose AUC of the first dosage formand the second dosage form are also dose proportional. In oneembodiment, the dosage forms are each controlled release dosage forms.In certain embodiments, the opioid is hydrocodone.

The present invention also relates to a plurality of dosage formscomprising a first dosage form comprising a first dosage strength of anopioid; a second dosage form comprising a second dosage strength of theopioid; and a third dosage form comprising a third dosage strength ofthe opioid; wherein the third dosage strength is greater than the seconddosage strength and the second dosage strength is greater than the firstdosage strength; and wherein the first dosage form, the second dosageform and the third dosage form each have a steady state Cave, a steadystate AUC and a single dose C_(max); and the steady state C_(ave) andthe steady state AUC of the first dosage form, the second dosage formand the third dosage form are each dose proportional with respect toeach other; the single dose C_(maX) of the second dosage form is lessthan the minimum level for dose proportionality with respect to thefirst dosage form; and the single dose C_(max) of the third dosage formis less than the minimum level for dose proportionality with respect tothe second dosage form. In certain embodiments, the single dose C_(max)of the second dosage form is 75% or less of the single dose C_(max) ofthe first dosage form times the dosage strength ratio of the seconddosage form to the first dosage form; and the single dose Cmax of thethird dosage form is 75% or less of the single dose C_(max) of thesecond dosage form times the dosage strength ratio of the third dosageform to the second dosage form. The invention also relates to a methodof administering such dosage forms comprising administering the firstdosage form, thereafter administering the second dosage form, andthereafter, administering the third dosage form.

In one embodiment, the first dosage form, the second dosage form and thethird dosage form are each controlled release dosage forms. In oneembodiment, the single dose AUC of the first dosage form, the seconddosage form and the third dosage form are each dose proportional. Incertain embodiments, the opioid is hydrocodone.

The present invention also relates to a kit for treating a patientcomprising a plurality of dosage forms according to the invention, and aset of printed instructions directing the administration of the firstdosage form to the patient, and thereafter, the administration of thesecond dosage form to the patient, and if present, thereafter, theadministration of the third dosage form to the patient.

The present invention can be understood more fully by reference to thefollowing figures, detailed description and examples, which are intendedto exemplify non-limiting embodiments of the invention.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 shows opioid plasma concentration-time profiles for a single doseof the 30 mg hydrocodone dosage form of Formulation A of Example 1 andfor a single dose of the hydrocodone dosage form of Formulation B ofExample 1, dose adjusted to 15 mg, respectively.

FIG. 2 shows opioid plasma concentration-time profiles for multipledoses of the dosage forms of FIG. 1, based on super positioning.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

It is the belief of the inventors that delivery release characteristics(rate, extent, profile) can influence a patient's acceptance ofmedications and the tamper resistance of medications. For example,certain medications having a faster drug delivery rate (as seen withcertain immediate release medications) are reported to have lowerpatient acceptance and increased adverse effects. The inventors believethat immediate release dosage forms of certain therapeutic agents canalso present decreased abuse resistance and greater reinforcingproperties compared to medications that have a slower drug deliveryrate. Additionally, the inventors believe that drug abusers often tendto prefer higher dosage strength dosage forms in order to experience theeuphoric effects of the drug.

The present invention provides a plurality of dosage forms comprising afirst dosage form having a first dosage strength of an opioid, such ashydrocodone; and a second dosage form having a second dosage strength ofthe opioid; wherein the second dosage strength is greater than the firstdosage strength; and wherein the first dosage form and the second dosageform each have a steady state C_(ave), a steady state AUC and a singledose C_(max), and the steady state C_(ave) and the steady state AUC ofthe first dosage form and the second dosage form are dose proportional,and the single dose C_(max) of the second dosage form is less than theminimum level for dose proportionality with respect to the first dosageform.

In certain embodiments, the single dose C_(max) of the second dosageform is 75% or less, e.g., 70% or less, 65% or less or 60% or less, ofthe C_(max) of the first dosage form times the dosage strength ratio ofthe second dosage form to the first dosage form.

In one embodiment, the first dosage form and the second dosage form eachhave a single dose AUC, and the single dose AUC of the second dosageform and the first dosage form are also dose proportional.

In certain embodiments, the present invention provides a plurality ofdosage forms comprising three dosage forms, a first dosage form, asecond dosage form, and a third dosage form, each comprising of anopioid, such as hydrocodone. In these embodiments, the dosage strengthof the third dosage form is greater than the dosage strength of thesecond dosage form, and the dosage strength of the second dosage form isgreater than that of the first dosage form. The steady state C_(ave) andthe steady state AUC of the first, second and third dosage forms aredose proportional; the single dose C_(max) of the second dosage form isless than the minimum level for dose proportionality with respect to thefirst dosage form, and the single dose C_(max) of the third dosage formis less than the minimum level for dose proportionality with respect tothe second dosage form. In certain embodiments, the single dose C_(max)of the third dosage form is 75% or less, e.g., 70% or less, 65% or lessor 60% or less, of the C_(max) of the first dosage form times the dosagestrength ratio of the second dosage form to the first dosage form.Similarly, in certain embodiments, the C_(max) of the third dosage formis 75% or less, e.g., 70% or less, 65% or less or 60% or less, of theC_(max) of the second dosage form times the dosage strength ratio of thethird dosage form to the second dosage form.

In one embodiment, the single dose AUC of the first, second and thirddosage forms, respectively, are also dose proportional.

It is anticipated that drug abusers will find the higher dosage strengthdosage form(s) made in accordance with the invention to be lessdesirable to abuse due to the above-described levels of C_(max) whichare less than dose proportional to the lower dosage strength dosageform(s). Additionally, it is anticipated that patients who have a needto increase the dosage strength of medication will experience lessadverse effects, and thus find the higher dosage strength dosage form(s)of the present invention to be more acceptable and tolerable.

In addition to comprising the opioid having the characteristicsdescribed in the claims, the dosage forms of the present invention cancontain additional compounds, including but not limited to, one or moreadditional therapeutic agents and/or opioid antagonists and/or aversiveagents.

Examples of such therapeutic agents include, but are not limited to,antihistamines (e.g., dimenhydrinate, diphenhydramine, chlorpheniramineand dexchlorpheniramine maleate), analgesics (e.g., aspirin,acetominophen, opioids, etc.), non-steroidal anti-inflammatory agents(e.g., naproxyn, diclofenac, indomethacin, ibuprofen, sulindac),anti-emetics (e.g., metoclopramide), anti-epileptics (e.g., phenytoin,meprobamate and nitrezepam), vasodilators (e.g., nifedipine, papaverine,diltiazem and nicardirine), anti-tussive agents and expectorants (e.g.,codeine phosphate), anti-asthmatics (e.g., theophylline), antacids,anti-spasmodics (e.g., atropine, scopolamine), antidiabetics (e.g.,insulin), diuretics (e.g., ethacrynic acid, bendrofluazide),anti-hypotensives (e.g., propranolol, clonidine), antihypertensives(e.g., clonidine, methyldopa), bronchodilators (e.g., albuterol),steroids (e.g., hydrocortisone, triamcinolone, prednisone), antibiotics(e.g., tetracycline), antihemorrhoidals, hypnotics, psychotropics;antidiarrheals, mucolytics, sedatives, decongestants, laxatives,vitamins, stimulants (including appetite suppressants such asphenylpropanolamine), as well as salts, hydrates, solvates and otherpharmaceutically acceptable forms of the same.

Examples of opioid antagonists include but are not limited to, naloxone,naltrexone, nalmefene, nalbuphine, nalorphine, cyclazacine, cyclazocine,levallorphan, pharmaceutically acceptable salts thereof, and mixtures ofany two or more of the foregoing. Examples of aversive agents include,but are not limited to a bittering agent, an irritant and a gellingagent. Additional examples and details of aversive agents are set forthin U.S. Patent Application Publication No. 2003/0124185 A1 to Oshlack etal., which is expressly incorporated herein in its entirety for allpurposes. The dosage form can be formulated in such a manner that theopioid antagonist and/or the aversive agent are only released upontampering with the dosage form.

The dosage forms used in the methods of the present invention can beprepared in accordance with any technology known in the art, includingbut not limited to that exemplified below.

Opioids

Any opioid may be incorporated in the dosage forms of the presentinvention, including but not limited to, alfentanil, allylprodine,alphaprodine, anileridine, benzylmorphine, bezitramide, buprenorphine,butorphanol, clonitazene, codeine, cyclazocine, desomorphine,dextromoramide, dezocine, diampromide, diamorphone, dihydrocodeine,dihydromorphine, dihydromorphone, dihydroisomorphine, dimenoxadol,dimepheptanol, dimethylthiambutene, dioxaphetyl butyrate, dipipanone,eptazocine, ethoheptazine, ethylmethylthiambutene, ethylmorphine,etonitazene, etorphine, dihydroetorphine, fentanyl, heroin, hydrocodone,hydromorphone, hydromorphodone, hydroxypethidine, isomethadone,ketobemidone, levallorphan, levorphanol, levophenacylmorphan,lofentanil, meperidine, meptazinol, metazocine, methadone, metopon,morphine, myrophine, narceine, nicomorphine, norlevorphanol,normethadone, nalorphine, nalbuphene, normorphine, norpipanone, opium,oxycodone, oxymorphone, pantopon, papaveretum, paregoric, pentazocine,phenadoxone, phendimetrazine, phendimetrazone, phenomorphan,phenazocine, phenoperidine, piminodine, piritramide, propheptazine,promedol, properidine, propiram, propoxyphene, propylhexedrine,sufentanil, tilidine, tramadol, pharmaceutically acceptable saltsthereof and mixtures of any two or more of the foregoing.

In certain embodiments, the opioid is hydrocodone, morphine,hydromorphone, oxycodone, codeine, levorphanol, meperidine, methadone,oxymorphone, buprenorphine, fentanyl, dipipanone, heroin, tramadol,etorphine, dihydroetorphine, dihydrocodeine, dihydromorphine,butorphanol, levorphanol, and mixtures of any two or more of theforegoing. In certain embodiments, the opioid is selected from the groupconsisting of oxycodone, hydrocodone, fentanyl, buprenorphine, andmixtures of any two or more of the foregoing. In one embodiment, theopioid is hydrocodone.

The analgesically effective amount of opioid present in the dosage formwill depend in part on the specific opioid and the dosage formcharacteristics and formulation. It is well within the purview of oneskilled in the art to readily determine the analgesically effectiveamount of an opioid needed for a particular indication.

Dosage Forms

The present invention includes dosage forms which can vary in releaserate from immediate release to controlled release. The dosage forms ofthe invention include oral dosage forms, including but not limited totablets, caplets, gelcaps and capsules, as well as anal suppositoriesand vaginal suppositories.

In one embodiment, the present invention includes controlled releasedosage forms such as controlled release matrix formulations comprisingan opioid and a controlled release material. The sustained releasematerial can be hydrophobic or hydrophilic as desired. The controlledrelease dosage forms can be made and formulated according to any methodknown in the art.

In certain embodiments, controlled release dosage form of the presentinvention can be prepared as granules, spheroids, matrixmultiparticulates, etc., which comprise the opioid in a controlledrelease matrix, which can be encapsulated or compressed into a tablet.

Techniques and compositions for making tablets (compressed and molded),capsules (hard and soft gelatin) and pills are also described inRemington's Pharmaceutical Sciences, 18^(th) ed. Arthur Osol, 1553-93(1990), which is incorporated herein in its entirety for all purposes.In one embodiment, a suitable amount of multiparticulates are compressedinto an oral tablet using conventional tableting equipment and standardtechniques. In yet another embodiment, the extrudate can be shaped intotablets as described in U.S. Pat. No. 4,957,681 to Klimesch et al.,which is incorporated herein in its entirety for all purposes.

In certain embodiments, the opioid can be dispersed in a controlledrelease matrix. Any controlled release matrix can be used in the oraldosage form of the invention. Controlled release matrices for dosageforms are well known in the art (See, e.g., Remingtons PharmaceuticalSciences, 18th ed. Mack Publishing Co., Easton, Pa., 1990, p.1684-1685), which is incorporated herein in its entirety for allpurposes. Additional examples of useful controlled release matrices aredescribed in U.S. Pat. Nos. 5,958,459; 5,965,161; 5,968,551; 6,294,195and U.S. Pat. No. 6,335,033, each to Oshlack et al. and U.S. Pat. No.6,143,328 to Heafield et al., each of which is incorporated herein inits entirety for all purposes.

The controlled release matrix can comprise a fusible hydrophobicmaterial, optionally combined with a hydrophilic material. Thehydrophobic fusible material can be, for example, a hydrophobic polymeror a natural or synthetic wax or oil, such as hydrogenated vegetable oilor hydrogenated castor oil, preferably having a melting point of fromabout 35 to 100° C., more preferably from about 45 to 90° C. Thehydrophilic material can be a hydrophilic polymer; a water solublefusible material, such as polyethylene glycol; or a water solubleparticulate material, such as dicalcium phosphate or lactose. However,any pharmaceutically acceptable hydrophobic or hydrophilic materialcapable of imparting controlled release of the opioid can be used inaccordance with the present invention.

The therapeutic agent dispersed in a controlled release matrix can beprepared by formulating the therapeutic agent with a non-fusiblematerial. component other than the fusible component. Suitablenon-fusible materials for inclusion in a controlled release matrixinclude, but are not limited to:

-   -   (a) hydrophilic or hydrophobic polymers, such as gums, cellulose        ethers, protein-derived materials, nylon, acrylic resins,        polylactic acid, polyvinylchloride, starches,        polyvinylpyrrolidones, and cellulose acetate phthalate. For        example, cellulose ethers, preferably substituted cellulose        ethers such as alkylcelluloses (e.g., ethylcellulose), C1-C6        hydroxyalkylcelluloses (e.g., hydroxypropylcellulose,        hydroxypropylmethylcellulose and hydroxyethyl cellulose),        carboxyalkylcelluloses and acrylic resins (e.g., acrylic acid        polymers and copolymers; and methacrylates such as methacrylic        acid polymers and copolymers) are useful. The controlled release        matrix can conveniently contain between 1% and 80% (by weight)        of the hydrophobic and/or hydrophilic polymer.    -   (b) digestible, long chain (C8-C50, preferably C8-C40)        substituted or unsubstituted hydrocarbons, such as hydrogenated        vegetable oils; fatty alcohols, such as lauryl, myristyl,        stearyl, cetyl or, preferably cetostearyl alcohol; fatty acids,        including fatty acid glycerides (mono-, di- and tri-glycerides),        hydrogenated fats, glyceryl esters of fatty acids, for example,        glyceryl monostearate; vegetable oils; mineral oils; normal        waxes; stearic acid and natural and synthetic waxes, such as        beeswax, glycowax, castor wax, and carnauba wax, and other        wax-like substances; and hydrophobic and hydrophilic materials        having hydrocarbon backbones. Hydrocarbons having a melting        point of between about 25° C. and 90° C. are useful. For        example, fatty (aliphatic) alcohols are useful in certain        embodiments. The controlled release matrix can contain up to 80%        (by weight) of at least one digestible, long chain hydrocarbon.    -   (c) Polyalkylene glycols. The controlled release matrix can        contain up to 60% (by weight) of at least one polyalkylene        glycol.

A suitable controlled release matrix for use in the oral dosage form ofthe invention can comprise one or more cellulose ethers or acrylicresins, one or more C12-C36, e.g., C12-C22, aliphatic alcohols, and/orone or more hydrogenated vegetable oils. One particular suitable matrixcomprises one or more alkylcelluloses, one or more C12-C22 aliphaticalcohols and one or more polyalkylene glycols. For example, the matrixcan contain between about 0.5% and 60%, e.g., between 1% and 50% (byweight) of the cellulose ether.

The acrylic resin can be a methacrylate such as methacrylic acidcopolymer USNF Type A (EUDRAGIT L), Type B (EUDRAGIT S), Type C(EUDRAGIT L 100-55), EUDRAGIT NE 30 D, EUDRAGIT E, EUDRAGIT RL, orEUDRAGIT RS (commercially available from Rohm Pharma GmbH, Weiterstat,Germany). For example, the matrix can contain between about 0.5% and 60%by weight, e.g., between 1% and 50% by weight, of the acrylic resin.

In certain embodiments, the dosage form comprises a controlled releasematrix comprising the opioid and at least one water soluble hydroxyalkylcellulose, at least one C12-C36, preferably C14-C22, aliphatic alcohol,and, optionally, at least one polyalkylene glycol. The hydroxyalkylcellulose can be a hydroxy (C1 to C6) alkyl cellulose, such ashydroxypropylcellulose, hydroxypropylmethylcellulose, and mostpreferably, hydroxyethyl cellulose. The amount of the at least onehydroxyalkyl cellulose in the present dosage form can be determined by,inter alia, the precise rate of release of the opioid required. Thealiphatic alcohol can be, for example, lauryl alcohol, myristyl alcohol,stearyl alcohol, cetyl alcohol or cetostearyl alcohol and mixtures ofany two or more of the foregoing. The amount of the aliphatic alcohol tobe included in the present dosage form can be determined, as above, by,inter alia, the precise rate of release of the opioid required. It canalso depend on whether at least one polyalkylene glycol is present in,or absent from, the dosage form.

In one embodiment, in the absence of polyalkylene glycol, the matrix cancontain between about 1% and 50%, .e.g., between about 2% and 36% byweight of the aliphatic alcohol. In another embodiment, polyalkyleneglycol is present in the oral dosage form, and the combined weight ofthe aliphatic alcohol and the polyalkylene glycol can constitute betweenabout 2% and 40%, e.g., between about 2 and 36% by weight of the totaldosage form.

In certain embodiments, the polyalkylene glycol can be, for example,polypropylene glycol or, preferably, polyethylene glycol. For example,the number average molecular weight of the at least one polyalkyleneglycol can be between 200 and 15,000, e.g., between 400 and 12,000 orbetween 1,500 and 12,000.

In certain embodiments, the controlled release of the opioid can beaffected by various inducers, for example pH, temperature, enzymes,water, or other physiological conditions or compounds.

The controlled release matrix containing the opioid can readily beprepared, for example, by dispersing the opioid in the components of thematrix using conventional pharmaceutical techniques including, but notlimited to, melt-granulation, wet granulation, dry blending, drygranulation, co-precipitation, extrusion and melt extrusion.

Incorporation of the opioid in the matrix can be effected, for example,by the following steps:

-   -   (a) directly metering into an extruder a hydrophobic sustained        release material, the opioid, and an optional binder material;    -   (b) heating the homogeneous mixture; extruding the homogeneous        mixture to thereby form strands; cooling the strands containing        the homogeneous mixture (if necessary);    -   (c) cutting the strands into matrix multiparticulates having a        size ranging from about 0.1 mm to about 5 mm in any dimension;        and    -   (d) dividing the particles into unit doses. In this aspect of        the invention, a relatively continuous manufacturing procedure        is realized.

Typical melt-extrusion production systems suitable for use in accordancewith the present invention include a suitable extruder drive motorhaving a variable speed and constant torque control, start-stopcontrols, and ammeter. In addition, the production system typicallyincludes a temperature control console that includes temperaturesensors, cooling means and temperature indicators throughout the lengthof the extruder. Further, the production system typically includes anextruder, such as a twin-screw extruder, which comprises twocounter-rotating intermeshing screws enclosed within a cylinder orbarrel having an aperture or die at the exit thereof. The feed materialsenter through a feed hopper; are moved through the barrel by the screws;and are forced through the die into strands, which are thereafterconveyed, such as by a continuous movable belt, to allow for cooling andbeing directed to a pelletizer or other suitable device to render theextruded strands into the matrix multiparticulate system. For example,the pelletizer can comprise rollers, a fixed knife, a rotating cutterand the like. Suitable instruments and systems are available fromdistributors such as C. W. Brabender Instruments, Inc. of SouthHackensack, N.J. Other suitable apparatus will be apparent to those ofordinary skill in the art. For example, the dosage forms can be preparedusing a Werner-Pfleiderer twin screw extruder.

The diameter of the extruder aperture or exit port can be adjusted tovary the thickness of the extended strands. Furthermore, the exit portof the extruder need not be round; it can be, e.g., oblong, rectangular,etc. The exiting strands can be reduced to particles using, e.g., a hotwire cutter, guillotine, etc.

A matrix multiparticulate system can be, for example, in the form ofgranules, spheroids or pellets, depending upon the extruder exit port.In one embodiment, dosage forms are prepared that include an effectiveamount of matrix multiparticulates within a capsule. For example, aplurality of the matrix multiparticulates can be placed in a gelatincapsule in an amount sufficient to provide an effective controlledrelease dose when ingested and contacted by gastrointestinal fluid.

The dosage forms of the present invention can comprise combinations ofmatrix multiparticulates containing opioid and having differingformulations and/or characteristics. Furthermore, the controlled releasedosage forms can also include a portion of the total amount of opioid inimmediate release form to provide a prompt therapeutic effect. Theimmediate release opioid can be incorporated, e.g., as separatemultiparticulates within a gelatin capsule, or can be coated on thesurface of, e.g., matrix multiparticulates.

Additional examples of methods of making controlled release dosage formsthat can be used in accordance with the present invention include thosedescribed in U.S. Pat. Nos. 5,266,331; 5,324,351; 5,356,467; 5,472,712;5,500,227; 5,508,042; 5,549,912; 5,656,295; and U.S. Pat. No. 6,024,982,each to Oshlack et al., and U.S. Pat. No. 5,958,459 to Chasin et al.,the contents of which are each expressly incorporated herein for allpurposes.

In certain embodiments, the dosage forms or the uncoated or coatedsustained release spheroids, granules, or matrix multiparticulatescontaining the opioid can be cured until an endpoint is reached at whichthe sustained release spheroids, granules, or matrix multiparticulatesprovide a stable dissolution. The curing endpoint can be determined bycomparing the dissolution profile (curve) of the dosage form immediatelyafter curing to the dissolution profile (curve) of the dosage form afterexposure to accelerated storage conditions of, e.g., at least one monthat a temperature of 40 degrees C. and a relative humidity of 75%. Curedformulations are described in detail in U.S. Pat. Nos. 5,273,760;5,286,493; 5,580,578; 5,639,476 and U.S. Pat. No. 5,681,585, each toOshlack et al., the disclosures of which are each incorporated herein intheir entirety for all purposes.

In addition to the above ingredients, the dosage forms can also containsuitable quantities of other materials, e.g., plasticizers, diluents,lubricants, binders, granulating aids, colorants, flavorants andglidants that are conventional in the pharmaceutical art. In certainembodiments, these additional materials can be present in amounts up toabout 50% by weight of the formulation, if desired. The quantities ofthese additional materials sufficient to provide the desired effect tothe desired formulation can be determined by one of ordinary skill. Forexample, the addition of a small amount of talc to the sustained releasecoating reduces the tendency of the aqueous dispersion to stick duringprocessing, and acts as a polishing agent. Specific examples ofpharmaceutically acceptable carriers and excipients that can be used toformulate oral dosage forms are described in the Handbook ofPharmaceutical Excipients, American Pharmaceutical Association (1986).

The following examples illustrate various aspects of the presentinvention. They are not to be construed to limit the claims in anymanner whatsoever. Rather, pluralities of dosage forms which havecharacteristics which are either more similar to one another or lesssimilar to one another may also fall within the scope of the presentinvention.

EXAMPLE Example 1 Hydrocodone Bitartrate

A study was conducted which served to compare two oral controlledrelease opioid formulations having different release characteristics. Inthat study, healthy male volunteers were randomized into a single-dose,4-way crossover pharmacokinetic study with hydrocodone bitartratecontrolled release oral tablets. The initial objective of the study wasto assess the pharmakokinetic (“PK”) profiles and then in vitro/in vivocorrelation (“IV/IVC”) for 30 mg dosage strength controlled releasehydrocodone formulations having differing dissolution profiles. Thehydrocodone bitartrate controlled release (“HYCR”) oral dosage formsincluded the following: 1) Formulation A, a 30 mg tablet having a firstin vitro dissolution profile; and 2) Formulation B, a 30 mg tablethaving an in vitro dissolution profile which was slower than that ofFormulation A for the time period from 1 to 12 hours.

Formulation Compositions

Two formulations having varied in vitro dissolution profiles which wereused in this study are as follows:

FORMULATION A Amt/Unit Amt/batch Weight Ingredient (mg) (gram) FractionHydrocodone Bitartrate 30.0 150.0 Spray Dried Lactose 119.2 596.0Povidone 8.0 40.0 Eudragit RS30D (Solids) 14.0 70.0 Triacetin 2.8 14.0Stearyl Alcohol 40.0 200.0 Talc 4.0 20.0 Magnesium Stearate 2.0 10.0Opadry Red YS1-15597-A 10.0 50.0 Purified Water * * * Total 230 1150.01.00 *Used for processing and remains in product as residual moistureonly.

FORMULATION B Amt/Unit Amt/batch Weight Ingredient (mg) (gram) FractionHydrocodone Bitartrate 30.0 150.0 .13 Spray Dried Lactose 90.0 450.0 .39Povidone 8.0 40.0 .03 Eudragit RS30D (Solids) 30.0 150.0 .13 Triacetin6.0 30.0 .03 Stearyl Alcohol 50.0 250.0 .22 Talc 4.0 20.0 .02 MagnesiumStearate 2.0 10.0 .01 Opadry Red YS1-15597-A 10.0 50.0 .04 PurifiedWater * * * Total 230.0 1150.0 1 *Used for processing and remains inproduct as residual moisture only.

To prepare tablets having these hydrocodone bitartrate formulations, thespecified amount of hydrocodone bitartrate was measured out into 15 mgor 30 mg dosages, depending upon the formulation. The selected dosageamount of hydrocodone was then sprayed with a eudragit/triacetindispersion. Dried lactose and povidone were then sprayed on thecomposition using a fluid bed granulator. After spraying, thegranulation was discharged and passed through a mill. Melted stearylalcohol was then added to the granulation using a mixer, and thegranulation was allowed to cool. The cooled granulation was passedthrough a mill. Talc and magnesium stearate were added in a mixer inorder to lubricate the granulation. The granulation was then compressedinto tablets using a tablet press. After forming the tablet, an aqueousfilm coat was applied to the tablets.

Dissolution Method:

The in vitro dissolution for the two formulations was obtained usingU.S.P. Apparatus II (Paddle Method) with 700 ml of simulated gastricfluid for the first 55 minutes at 100 rpm and 37° C. followed by 900 mlof simulated intestinal fluid for the remainder of testing. The resultswere measured by high performance liquid chromatography. The results areset forth in Table 1 below:

TABLE 1 Dissolution (%) Hour A B 0   0% 0% 1 49.0% 25.5% 2 60.1% 31.7% 476.1% 41.5% 8 93.0% 54.7% 12 97.3% 65%

Clinical Study Protocol:

The adverse effects of hydrocodone bitrate were studied on 32 healthy,young adult male volunteers in a single dose, 4-way, randomized,crossover study. Thirty subjects completed the study, and two subjectswere discontinued due to protocol violations. Each patient wasadministered either one 30 mg dosage form of Formulation A or one 30 mgdosage form of Formulation B or one 30 mg dosage form or 30 mg of one oftwo other controlled release hydrocodone formulations which haddissolution profiles slower than Formulation A and faster thanFormulation B over a 12 hour period. The subjects were screened for aperiod up to 14 days. The study was a single dose, 4-way, randomizedcrossover study. All treatments were administered under fastedconditions having dose periods separated by a 7-day washout. Thesubjects were screened for entry into the study and randomly assigned toa treatment sequence for crossover dosing.

Table 2 below presents common adverse events (irrespective ofrelationship to study drug), i.e., those with an incidence of ≧5%, forany treatment by COSTART (Coding System for Thesaurus of AdverseReaction Terms) term.

TABLE 2 Common Adverse Events Number (%) of Subjects Body SystemFormulation A Formulation B Adverse Event (N = 30) (N = 31) Total Number(%) 13 (43.3)  4 (12.9) of Subjects with Adverse Events Digestive Nausea6 (20) — Vomiting 3 (10) 1 (3.2) Nervous Dizziness 9 (30) 1 (3.2)Somnolence 2 (6.7) — Skin Pruritus 2 (6.7) —

A lower incidence of adverse events was reported with Formulation B(n=4) than with Formulation A (n=8). The common (incidence ≧5%) adverseevents (vomiting, dizziness, nausea, pruritus, and somnolence) are amongthose expected from hydrocodone treatment. Significantly, the number ofadverse events, including those considered to be related to treatment,the number of subjects reporting adverse events, and the number ofmoderate adverse events (none was rated severe) were all lower withFormulation B than with Formulation A. These results indicate that thedifferent release characteristics of Formulation B compared toFormulation A resulted in a decrease in adverse effects which wasgreater than expected.

Based in part on the foregoing study results, the inventors believe thatbeneficial results would be obtained by formulating a plurality ofdosage forms wherein the second dosage form has a dosage strengthgreater than the first dosage form, and wherein the steady state Caveand the steady state AUC of the first and second dosage forms are doseproportional and the single dose C_(max) of the second dosage form isless than the minimum level for does proportionality with respect to thefirst dosage form. The inventors also believe that it would further bebeneficial for this first and second dosage forms to have doseproportional single dose AUC values.

The inventors dose adjusted the Formulation A dosage form from 30 mg to15 mg. The pharmacokinetic data for Formulation A dose adjusted to 15 mgand Formulation B (30 mg) are set forth in Tables 3 and 4 below:

TABLE 3 Single Dose Cmax AUCt AUCINF Formula (ng/mL) (hr*ng/mL)(hr*ng/mL) Formulation A 16.24 212.44 214.85 (dose adjusted to 15 mg)Formulation B (30 mg) 18.40 344.45 462.71

TABLE 4 Steady State Cmax, ss AUCt, ss Cmin, ss Cavg Formula (ng/mL)(hr*ng/mL) (ng/mL) (ng/mL) Formulation A 23.91 215.64 10.46 17.97 (doseadjusted to 15 mg) Formulation B (30 mg) 41.60 431.94 27.23 36.00

A plot setting forth the blood plasma concentration (ng/ml) versus time(h) for a single dose of Formulation A (dose adjusted to 15 mg) andFormulation B (30 mg) is shown in FIG. 1. A plot setting forth the bloodplasma concentration (ng/ml) versus time(h) for multiple doses, i.e.,steady state, of Formulation A (dose adjusted to 15 mg) and FormulationB (30 mg), based on super positioning, is shown in FIG. 2.

1. A plurality of dosage forms comprising: a) a first dosage form comprising a first dosage strength of a an opioid; and b) a second dosage form comprising a second dosage strength of the opioid; wherein the second dosage strength is greater than the first dosage strength; and wherein the first dosage form and the second dosage form each have a steady state C_(ave), a steady state AUC and a single dose C_(max); and wherein the steady state Cave and the steady state AUC of the first dosage form and the second dosage form are dose proportional and the single dose C_(max) of the second dosage form is less than the minimum level for dose proportionality with respect to the first dosage form.
 2. The plurality of dosage forms of claim 1, wherein the first dosage form and the second dosage form each have a single dose AUC and the single dose AUC of the first dosage form and the second dosage form are dose proportional.
 3. The plurality of dosage forms of claim 2, wherein the first dosage form and the second dosage form are each oral dosage forms.
 4. The plurality of dosage forms of claim 3, wherein the first dosage form and the second dosage form are each controlled release dosage forms.
 5. The plurality of dosage forms of claim 1, wherein the first dosage form and the second dosage form are each controlled release dosage forms.
 6. The plurality of dosage forms of claim 1, wherein the first dosage form and the second dosage form are each oral dosage forms.
 7. The plurality of dosage forms of claim 6, wherein the first dosage form and the second dosage form are each controlled release dosage forms.
 8. The plurality of dosage forms of claim 1, wherein the opioid is selected form the group consisting of alfentanil, allylprodine, alphaprodine, anileridine, benzylmorphine, bezitramide, buprenorphine, butorphanol, clonitazene, codeine, cyclazocine, desomorphine, dextromoramide, dezocine, diampromide, diamorphone, dihydrocodeine, dihydromorphine, dihydromorphone, dihydroisomorphine, dimenoxadol, dimepheptanol, dimethylthiambutene, dioxaphetyl butyrate, dipipanone, eptazocine, ethoheptazine, ethylmethylthiambutene, ethylmorphine, etonitazene, etorphine, dihydroetorphine, fentanyl, heroin, hydrocodone, hydromorphone, hydromorphodone, hydroxypethidine, isomethadone, ketobemidone, levallorphan, levorphanol, levophenacylmorphan, lofentanil, meperidine, meptazinol, metazocine, methadone, metopon, morphine, myrophine, narceine, nicomorphine, norlevorphanol, normethadone, nalorphine, nalbuphene, normorphine, norpipanone, opium, oxycodone, oxymorphone, pantopon, papaveretum, paregoric, pentazocine, phenadoxone, phendimetrazine, phendimetrazone, phenomorphan, phenazocine, phenoperidine, piminodine, piritramide, propheptazine, promedol, properidine, propiram, propoxyphene, propylhexedrine, sufentanil, tilidine, tramadol, and mixtures of any two or more of the foregoing.
 9. The plurality of dosage forms of claim 8, wherein the opioid is selected form the group consisting of hydrocodone, morphine, hydromorphone, oxycodone, codeine, levorphanol, meperidine, methadone, oxymorphone, buprenorphine, fentanyl, dipipanone, heroin, tramadol, etorphine, dihydroetorphine, dihydrocodeine, dihydromorphine, butorphanol, levorphanol, and mixtures of any two or more of the foregoing.
 10. A plurality of dosage forms comprising: a) a first dosage form comprising a first dosage strength of hydrocodone; and b) a second dosage form comprising a second dosage strength of hydrocodone; wherein the second dosage strength is greater than the first dosage strength; and wherein the first dosage form and the second dosage form each have a steady state C_(ave), a steady state AUC and a single dose C_(max); and wherein the steady state Cave and the steady state AUC of the first dosage form and the second dosage form are dose proportional and the single dose C_(max) of the second dosage form is less than the minimum level for dose proportionality with respect to the first dosage form.
 11. The plurality of dosage forms of claim 10, wherein the first dosage form and the second dosage form each have a single dose AUC and the single dose AUC of the first dosage form and the second dosage form are dose proportional.
 12. The plurality of dosage forms of claim 11, wherein the first dosage form and the second dosage form are each oral dosage forms.
 13. The plurality of dosage forms of claim 12, wherein the first dosage form and the second dosage form are each controlled release dosage forms.
 14. The plurality of dosage forms of claim 10, wherein the first dosage form and the second dosage form are each controlled release dosage forms.
 15. The plurality of dosage forms of claim 10, wherein the first dosage form and the second dosage form are each oral dosage forms.
 16. The plurality of dosage forms of claim 15, wherein the first dosage form and the second dosage form are each controlled release dosage forms.
 17. The plurality of dosage forms of claim 10 wherein single dose C_(max) of the second dosage form is 75% or less of the C_(max) of the first dosage form times the dosage strength ratio of the second dosage form to the first dosage form.
 18. The plurality of dosage forms of claim 10, wherein the single dose C_(max) of the second dosage form is 70% or less of the C_(max) of the first dosage form times the dosage strength ratio of the second dosage form to the first dosage form.
 19. The plurality of dosage forms of claim 10, wherein the single dose C_(max) of the second dosage form is 65% or less of the C_(max) of the first dosage form times the dosage strength ratio of the second dosage form to the first dosage form.
 20. The plurality of dosage forms of claim 10, wherein the C_(max) of the second dosage form is 60% or less of the C_(max) of the first dosage form times the dosage strength ratio of the second dosage form to the first dosage form.
 21. A plurality of dosage forms comprising: a first dosage form comprising a first dosage strength of hydrocodone; a second dosage form comprising a second dosage strength of hydrocodone; and a third dosage form comprising a third dosage strength of hydrocodone; wherein the third dosage strength is greater than the second dosage strength and the second dosage strength is greater than the first dosage strength; and wherein the first dosage form, the second dosage form and the third dosage form each have a steady state Cave, a steady state AUC and a single dose C_(max); and the steady state C_(ave) and the steady state AUC of the first dosage form, the second dosage form and the third dosage form are each dose proportional with respect to each other; the single dose C_(max) of the second dosage form is less than the minimum level for dose proportionality with respect to the first dosage form; and the single dose C_(max) of the third dosage form is less than the minimum level for dose proportionality with respect to the second dosage form.
 22. The plurality of dosage forms of claim 21 wherein the single dose C_(max) of the second dosage form is 75% or less of the single dose C_(max) of the first dosage form times the dosage strength ratio of the second dosage form to the first dosage form; and the single dose Cmax of the third dosage form is 75% or less of the single dose C_(max) of the second dosage form times the dosage strength ratio of the third dosage form to the second dosage form.
 23. The plurality of dosage forms of claim 22 wherein the first dosage form, the second dosage form and the third dosage form are each controlled release oral dosage forms.
 24. The plurality of dosage forms of claim 23 herein the single dose AUC of the first dosage form, the second dosage form and the third dosage form are each dose proportional.
 25. A method for administering a plurality of dosage forms comprising: a) administering a first dosage form comprising a first dosage strength of hydrocodone; and b) thereafter, administering a second dosage form comprising a second dosage strength of hydrocodone; wherein the second dosage strength is greater than the first dosage strength; wherein the first dosage form and the second dosage form each have a steady state C_(ave), a steady state AUC and a single dose C_(max); and wherein the steady state Cave and the steady state AUC of the first dosage form and the second dosage form are dose proportional and the single dose C_(max) of the second dosage form is less than 75% of the C_(max) of the first dosage form times the dosage strength ratio of the second dosage form to the first dosage form.
 26. The method for administering a plurality of dosage forms of claim 25, wherein the first dosage form and the second dosage form are controlled release oral dosage forms.
 27. A kit for treating a patient comprising: a) a plurality of dosage forms according to claim 1; and b) a set of printed instructions directing the administration of the first dosage form to the patient, and thereafter, the administration of the second dosage form to the patient.
 28. The kit for treating a patient of claim 27, wherein the first dosage form and the second dosage form are controlled release oral dosage forms. 